Minister Ganesh Joshi meets Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Dr Kirori Lal Meena
By our staff reporter
Jaipur/Dehradun, 9 May: During his visit to Jaipur on Friday, Uttarakhand’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ganesh Joshi, paid a courtesy call on Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Dr Kirori Lal Meena at the Pant Krishi Bhawan. On this occasion, Dr Meena presented locally made products from women self-help groups to Minister Joshi, who in turn gifted him a shawl made of silk and a traditional Pahari cap from Uttarakhand.
The meeting took place in a positive and collaborative atmosphere, focusing on key issues such as the establishment of agro–processing units, the promotion of organic farming, quality seed production, Geographical Indicator (GI) tagging, promotion of olive cultivation, and innovation in the millet (Shree Anna) sector. Both ministers also discussed sharing agricultural experiences and exploring avenues for inter–state cooperation.
Discussions were held on promoting crop diversification and natural farming in both states. Emphasis was placed on increasing the production of climate-suitable crops, fruits, and vegetables in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
Minister Ganesh Joshi highlighted that Uttarakhand is seeing successful yields in natural farming, medicinal plants, aromatic flowers, honey, and dragon fruit. He suggested that Rajasthan could consider cultivating climate-compatible varieties of these crops. He also proposed a mutual exchange of delegations between the two states, enabling officials to study each other’s schemes and crop patterns, which can then be adapted to benefit farmers in both regions.
Minister Joshi further mentioned that the Uttarakhand government is providing subsidies on millet seeds to encourage millet cultivation. Mushroom production is carried out year-round in the state. The Buransh (Rhododendron) flower is also abundantly grown, and its juice is considered highly beneficial for heart patients.
He added that Uttarakhand has developed an umbrella brand called “House of Himalayas” for branding its agricultural products, ensuring farmers receive fair value for their produce. Minister Joshi also extended a special invitation to Dr Meena to visit Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra.
The meeting was attended by Rajasthan’s Agriculture Commissioner Chinmayi Gopal, Horticulture Commissioner Suresh Ola, Mohammad Junaid, MD, Rajasthan Seeds Corporation, Nimisha Gupta, and other senior officials.
